Shillong, Jul 1: Acting on an application by Meghalaya Cricket Association President James PK Sangma (pictured right), the High Court of Meghalaya today passed an interim order to suspend the special general meeting of the MCA that had been called for by its Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni (left).
The SGM had been scheduled for 3rd July and the Apex Council members had insisted it go ahead even though Sangma had described it as “redundant” after he had suspended Kharkamni.
Sangma and Kharkamni are involved in a protracted battle for control of the MCA. The fight took a twist when the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) found that Kharkamni had failed to act on a complaint of sexual harassment made by members of the U-23 women’s cricket team.
As a result of this, Sangma suspended Kharkamni on Saturday. However, the matter has not ended there as the Honorary Secretary appears to have support of the Apex Council. Members of the MCA’s governing body have argued that Sangma has violated the association’s constitution by taking unilateral action. The dispute extends to the appointment of an MCA Ombudsman, who Sangma said was duly appointed in March but the Kharkamni faction argue otherwise.
These points were referred to by Sangma’s lawyers in front of a single judge bench comprising Justice HS Thangkhiew today.
Justice Thangkhiew ruled that the notice to hold the SGM be suspended and that the Ombudsman carry out his duties as normal until the next hearing.
Reacting to the order, Kharkamni sent a one line message to the press: “I will see you (Sangma) in court.”
As the interim order was passed ex-parte (that is, with only one side being heard), Kharkamni and the other respondents are at liberty to file for vacation, modification or alteration before the next date, which has been set for 21st July.